Research Volunteers Needed for Creighton University Bone Density Study

Creighton University Department of Psychiatry is seeking research volunteers for an Adolescent Bone Density Study currently being conducted. The study focuses on the effects of the medications Risperdal, Abilify, Haldol, and Zyprexa on teenages and bone health.

Currently none of the antipsychotics are FDA approved for pediatric use except for a recent indication of Risperdal for irritability associated with autistic disorder. However, in clinical practice these drugs are very commonly prescribed in kids for a wide variety of psychiatric conditions (not limited to psychosis or autistic disorder). Given the limited data on the safety of these drugs in kids, Creighton University is interested in studying the effects of antipsychotic drugs and elevated prolactin levels on the rapidly developing bone skeleton & bone mass in adolescents.

The studies are cross-sectional in nature and do not involve medication changes.

Participants must be between the ages of 10 and 17 years of age, may be girls or boys, and must be willing/able to attend two study visits at our site on 3528 Dodge (the 2 visits average from 1-4 weeks apart). The study is available to adolescents who, meet the above criteria and are able to bring with them a parent or legal guardian who can sign consent for them to participate. All participants will receive free lab work, bone density assessment, and $25.00 per visit for time and travel.

Creighton University believes the study will benefit both the child and society in the following ways:

1. The hormonal panel includes thyroid function and prolactin levels, the results of which will be communicated to the patient/parent/provider if out of range and clinically significant.

2. The child gets a free bone density assessment.

3. Physicians and society may benefit from the results of the study and help diagnose and prevent bone loss in adolescents taking antipsychotic medications.

4. Finally, this may help raise awareness of medication side effects and promote patient advocacy.

A total of 150 adolescents (cases and controls) are needed for the study. After study completion, we plan to publish the results in a major medical journal.

The study has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

If you are interested in participating in the research study, please call Jodette at (404) 345-8828 ext. 21 or at (402) 660-2903.